Category Entertainment News

Vernon Kay was left emotional on his Radio 2 show as he issued a statement about a colleague who is set to leave the programme after two-and-a-half years

Vernon Kay became emotional on air as he delivered a heartfelt farewell message about one of his Radio 2 team members. The 51-year-old has been hosting his mid-morning radio programme since stepping into Ken Bruce’s shoes in 2023.

The programme ranks as Britain’s most listened-to radio show, with latest statistics indicating approximately 6.6 million listeners tune in daily. However, Vernon recently confirmed that his show’s lineup would be undergoing changes.

On Thursday, he disclosed that videographer Chloe would be departing the programme, reports the Manchester Evening News. She’s preparing to transfer to BBC Radio One to collaborate with Greg James.

Delivering a touching farewell to Chloe, Vernon expressed: “We should say, our videographer, our social media person, Chloe, lovely Chloe, who has been on the team for two-and-a-half years is leaving to go and work with a fella called Gregory James.

“He’s the host, apparently, of Radio One’s very successful Breakfast Show, so it’s a valuable asset we’re losing and a valuable asset they’re gaining. Chloe, you know we love you, from the bottom of our hearts you’ve been absolutely superb.

“All those videos that you’ve made over time for this show. From the moment I walked through the door she’s been there with a camera in my face and you’re going to be sadly, sadly missed.”

The father-of-two subsequently revealed that his touching tribute had moved Chloe to tears. He continued: “There’s Chloe, sad times, she’s crying, she’s upset.”

Former Family Fortunes presenter Vernon will be gracing our screens from 6.55pm on ITV One with MandS: Dress The Nation, co-hosted by Big Brother’s AJ Odudu.

The series pits nine budding fashion designers against each other in a bid to secure their dream job at Marks and Spencer. The debut episode will see the contestants dive headfirst into creating womenswear pieces, all while under the scrutinising gaze of Maddy Evans, the company’s director of womenswear, guest judge Jade Jagger, and the viewing public.

Upon the announcement of the show’s second series, Vernon enthused: “Dress The Nation isn’t just about fashion – it’s about changing someone’s life forever whilst discovering more of their own confidence, creativity and talent.

“The level of skill this year is unreal which means the competition is ridiculously tough but seeing people shine doing what they love makes for proper feel-good telly.”

AJ chimed in: “Dress The Nation has heart, hustle, and enough fashion drama to keep you glued to the telly. It’s real people with proper talent, bringing their A-game.

“Last year’s winner was outrageously talented; proof that this show uncovers the kind of raw, brilliant creativity you don’t see every day.

Chef and cook book author Jamie Oliver is a proud dad and highlighted his eldest son’s latest career achievement as the teenager prepares to celebrate turning 15-years-old

Jamie Oliver was a proud father on Sunday as he helped promote his eldest son’s debut cook book. The Naked Chef star is a father of five – sharing three daughters and two sons with wife Jools.

But his focus was on eldest son, Buddy Bear Oliver, who is set to turn 15 on Monday. Despite being only in the middle of his teenage years, Buddy is clearly intent on following in the footsteps of 50-year-old Jamie by coming a chef himself.

And as luck would have it, Buddy has managed to pen a cook book of his own – which is being released 26 years after Jamie released his own debut. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Jamie highlighted the surprising achievement of his son.

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He shared two photos of himself posing with Buddy – with the first showing him planting a kiss on his son’s cheek when he was still a toddler. And then a second image showed him kissing his son’s cheek more recently while they posing beside a giant pot of food.

Jamie wrote in an accompanying caption: “How it started and how it’s going….very proud of this one. Buddy’s debut cookbook Let’s Cook is out in the USA and Canada on the 23rd!! Just wow.”

Many fans were impressed by Buddy’s latest achievement. One wrote in the comments: “Like father like son. Congratulations Buddy.”

Another typed: “Proud parent moment indeed.” While a further fan remarked: “I can only imagine how much you want to burst with pride. It is a joy watching it via social media.”

Let’s Cook: Fun, Easy Recipes for Kids by Buddy Oliver was originally published in the UK in July 2024. While the American audience appears excited to finally be able to get their hands on the book, fans in the UK were quite scathing when the book was originally published.

Many took to social media at the time to slam the Oliver’s over nepotism – but Jamie defended his son, previously spotlighting the uplifting motivation behind his son’s career move, declaring: “[Buddy] doesn’t want to be a chef or a TV presenter . . . but the idea of trying to get other kids to cook is a really positive thing.”

As well as Buddy, Jamie and wife Jools, 50, are parents to youngest son River Rocket, aged nine. They have three daughters; Poppy Honey, 23, Daisy Boo, 22, and 16-year-old Petal Blossom.

Jamie has proudly discussed his family many times in the past – but also admitted he has found being in charge of five kids challenging at times.

Speaking to People magazine previously, the celebrity chef said: “Being the kids of Jamie Oliver, is also tricky. Depending on the kid and their personality, some of them are super embarrassed of me.

“They don’t want me to pick them up from school, God forbid, say anything.”

He continued: “I don’t think being us is easy, and that I’m not complaining, I’m just saying it’s getting the balance. Just the attention of your dad being known, normally for the right reasons, is embarrassing when you’re a teenage girl. But now I’ve got a 22 and a 23-year-old and they fully handle it, they’ve got it down.”

He admitted: “I think it hasn’t been easy, and we’ve had a few bumps here and there, but on the whole, so far, so good. And probably most of that credit should go to Jools, but I’d like to think I’m a good dad.”

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Piers Morgan and Tommy Robinson were involved in an ugly social media spat following Saturday’s rallies in the UK over the weekend

The intense vitriol between Piers Morgan and Tommy Robinson has continued following the huge UK rallies over the weekend.

Tommy Robinson’s ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest on Saturday so hundreds of thousands take to the streets, and Tommy also called for the dissolution of Parliament in his latest attack on Keir Starmer.

After the events, former Good Morning Britain presenter Piers, 60, took to social media to share his thoughts. On Twitter /X, Piers shared an aerial view of the jam-packed streets.

He wrote: “To condemn all these people who attended yesterday’s @TRobinsonNewEra as far-right thugs is false. Just as it’s false to say they were all a bunch of angelic choristers. Many were there because they genuinely care about their country, failed immigration policies and free speech.”

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However, Tommy, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley, responded by slamming Piers for what he said was “riding the wave”. The 42-year-old reposted Piers’ comment and said: “Don’t try riding the wave you w**ker @piersmorgan.

“People like you made it impossible for people to speak out with your baseless labels “racist “ Islamophobe” “far right “ you have been part of the problem not the solution.”

But Piers wasn’t prepared to let the comments go and was quick to continue the bickering. He replied: “Pipe down, Bottle Job. You’re not a wave I ever want to ride.”

And then, with a proposition for his foe, Piers added: “But if you grow a pair, I’m still up for doing the interview you keep ducking.”

During Saturday’s rallies, Elon Musk appeared on a big screen with a message. However, he has been slammed for telling a far-right rally that “violence is coming” to the UK.

The tech billionaire made the inflammatory comments at Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” protest on Saturday, where he also called for the dissolution of Parliament in his latest swipe at Keir Starmer’s Government.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said of the rallies: “I thought that they were slightly incomprehensible comments that were totally inappropriate. But what we saw yesterday was over 100,000 people who were expressing freedom of association, freedom of speech, and proving that both of those things are alive and well in this country.

“A small minority of people who are protesting committed acts of violence against our police for which they should and they will be held accountable.”

It’s said that between 110,000 and 150,000 people turned out for the rally, while around 5,000 anti-racism campaigners mounted a counter-protest.

Following the events, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned violent scenes after protesters clashed with police. She vowed that anyone “taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law”.

News of boxer Ricky Hatton’s tragic death has rocked the worlds of sport and entertainment and now his manager Mickey Helliet is among those sharing fond memories of the star online

Ricky Hatton has been mourned as an “exceptional talent” by a close friend following his shock death. The sport and entertainment worlds were left saddened on Sunday when it was revealed the boxing icon had died at the age of 46.

His body was found at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday – with police releasing a statement confirming there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Ricky’s death sparked a flood of tributes from fans, fellow sport stars and celebrity friends on Sunday.

Boxing manager Mickey Helliet was among those going online to share poignant comments about the tragic star. He worked with Ricky and advised him on managing other boxers and the pair were close friends.

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In a touching Facebook tribute, Mickey wrote: “I was absolutely heartbroken to hear the news this weekend about the death of one of my very good friends Ricky Hatton.

“I remember Rick being an exceptional talent in the amateurs. It didn’t seem to matter who he was matched with, he’d not just beat them but absolutely smash them from pillar to post. It was impossible not to be in awe of Ricky the fighting man.”

Mickey went on to explain how he was a friend and advisor to the late star. He explained: “After he’d finished boxing, I often used to help him with matching his fighters and always really enjoyed that.

“Over the years I knew him, he became a close friend and our friendship grew way beyond our boxing connection. I have so many brilliant memories of nights out or trips away with Rick.”

He continued: “I spoke to him in depth about lots of his problems so I knew life was hard for him and I only wish I could have helped him more. My heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family who are all good people.”

The news of Ricky’s death reached Mickey while he was preparing to board a flight. He explained: “I’m sitting in an airport departure lounge writing all this with loads of people buzzing around me and I just feel lost, completely sick to my stomach, but this is life.”

He wrote: “I’ll miss my mate loads. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton.”

Revealing he had been asked to make a statement, Mickey concluded: “I’m really going to miss him. I’ve had quite a few calls and messages from people asking to speak about Ricky but I couldn’t say anymore than what is written here. I’m devastated a top man is gone.”

Many others took to social media to share memories of Ricky – and to express their sadness over his death.

Among those paying tribute was Amir Khan, 38, who wrote: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.

“As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong – we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.

“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible. To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone.

“Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding. Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”

EXCLUSIVE: Media personality Katie Price has been left ‘terrified’ and in a ‘fragile place’ amid cancer fears and worries a serious health setback could derail her baby dreams

Katie Price has been feeling “terrified” and in a “fragile place” amid cancer fears – and is worried a serious health setback could derail her dreams of having another baby, OK! exclusively reports.

The mum of five, who was diagnosed with a rare form of soft tissue cancer in her finger back in 2002, is currently undergoing medical tests after concerns the disease has returned.

During her podcast The Katie Price Show last week, she said, “For some who didn’t know, when I was pregnant with Harvey, I got cancer, called leiomyosarcoma. If you look at my finger, there is a hole and a scar, I had it cut out twice… I had to have MRI scans and all of that for six years until I was clear.”

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Revealing her fears, she said, “The same finger – this is about three weeks ago – I thought, have I knocked it? Because it hurts when I push it, but there’s no lump. And [the pain] still hasn’t gone. So I’m going to get that X-rayed and looked at, so

I hope it’s not that again.”Now a source has revealed that Katie is worried this health scare could impact her hopes of having another child. “Katie is terrified about her health – she’s feeling very worried and anxious. She’s fretting that this new lump is another cancer, and it’s something she’s been through before.

“She has been desperate to have another baby and it’s worrying knowing that her health isn’t where it needs to be. It’s been a shock for Katie and is really heartbreaking for her.”

The 47-year-old has made no secret of her hopes to become a mum for the sixth time and even went through a bout of IVF in 2023. The procedure, which took place while she was in a relationship with her ex boyfriend Carl Woods, was unsuccessful.

Last week, during the opening night of her new tell-all tour with Kerry Katona, she revealed she’s had tests to determine if she can conceive again.

“I’m going through it,” she said, adding, “I had a blood test – I still want more kids – but my eggs are f***** now, to cut a long story short. It happens to all of us. Just because your eggs are old and they won’t really give you a baby, I can still carry a baby, so there’s still ways that I can have babies, and I will have more,” vowed Katie, who is already mum to Harvey, 23, Junior, 20, Princess, 18, Jett, 12, and Bunny, 11.

This isn’t the first time Katie, who has been with boyfriend JJ Slater, 33, for almost two years, has shared her dreams of expanding her brood. During an interview with Paul C. Brunson on his We Need To Talk podcast earlier this year, she said she was “ready” to try again after securing donor eggs.

“Because I’m pre-menopause at the moment, I thought you can’t have kids, but you can! I’ve been tested, I’m all fine, I can still carry babies. So I have got the eggs there, I’ve got everything set up ready for when I want it,” she said.

According to our source, Katie will stop at nothing to have another child. “Katie has always wanted more kids, it’s her dream. Having children around is her safety blanket and it’s something she’s desperate for.

“She’s looked at all the options when it comes to IVF, surrogacy and even adoption, but whether it’s really going to be an option or not is another thing. Her family aren’t sure she’s in the right place for it.”

On top of her cancer scare and high-profile spat with her ex husband Peter Andre, Katie’s recent weight loss has also left friends and family worried about her health.

During a podcast with her sister Sophie in June, Katie revealed she weighed 7st 12lb, prompting Sophie to express concern, saying, “Mum called me the other day and said I’m going to have a word with Kate because she’s too thin. I think Mum saw a picture on Instagram and she wasn’t happy.”

While Katie insisted earlier this year that she “liked” her smaller frame, the star recently admitted she’s undergoing blood tests to find out the cause of her rapid weight-loss over the last year, that has led to her feeling really “tired” with “no energy”.

“Her whole family is extremely worried about her health, especially with the recent weight loss,” added our source. “They feel like she’s in a fragile place.”

Katie’s health issues come just weeks after she unexpectedly shot to the top of the UK iTunes charts, as her 2017 single I Got U made a surprise comeback and hit number one.

But she now fears her career success may be an ominous precursor, Katie said, “Normally in my life something good happens and then something bad happens. This better not be my bad news, and I get bad results. Let’s hope it’s nothing bad.”

We are keeping everything crossed for you, Katie.

EXCLUSIVE: Ricky Hatton’s devastated close pal and former Dancing On Ice partner, Robin Johnstone, has opened up on how Claire Sweeney must be feeling following the tragic news of his death

Ricky Hatton’s death has shocked the world, and his Dancing On Ice partner has opened up on how much it will be affecting his ex-girlfriend, Claire Sweeney. The former boxer and Brookside actress hit it off when they both appeared on the popular skating contest.

Their friendship soon blossomed into a romance and despite things not working out between the pair, Ricky’s dance partner on the show, Robin Johnstone, says Claire will be heartbroken by the tragic news.

Former world champion boxer Ricky was found dead at his home this weekend aged 46. His death isn’t being treated as suspicious. A police cordon remains in place at Hatton’s home in Gee Cross, Hyde. He would have turned 47 next month and leaves behind three children including his son Campbell, who also boxed professionally before retiring earlier this year.

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Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Robin opened up on the tragedy, and explained the devastation Claire will be feeling: “We were friends with Claire, too,” she said.

“I haven’t talked to Claire in a while, but they remained good friends as far as I know, so I’m sure she’s heartbroken, everyone on the show will be so upset and sad.

“You become so close on a show like Dancing On Ice. He just loved life. He seemed like such a happy-go-lucky guy, so caring. We’ll miss him terribly.”

Robin spoke of the close bond she and Ricky built once the show finished, explaining how she would be speak to the star every couple of weeks to check in. “Out of all my partners on the show, we kept in touch the most.

“He was in training mode and seemed in such good form, he was asking how we were… we were on the Torvill and Dean tour, and his girls came with him to see the show. We’ve met his girls quite a few times.”

Celebrities joined the fans across the world in paying their respects to the boxing legend following the shocking news. Among them was fellow Mancunian Will Mellor.

The Coronation Street star took to Twitter/X to share a sad message with his following. Alongside a black-and-white image of the star, which had the words RIP Ricky in sky blue at the bottom, marking his love for Manchester City, Will said:”I’m absolutely devastated to hear about my good friend Ricky Hatton!!

“He was the real people’s champion but his biggest battle was his mental health! May you rest in peace mate. #RIPRickyHatton #rip #mentalhealth.”

David Beckham also took to social media following the news. Over several Instagram Stories, he wrote: “Ricky was one of a kind.. Just Heartbreaking,” alongside a blue heart emoji.

He followed it up by sharing more images of the former sports star, saying: “Ricky was special in many way… Loved by his fans.”

And then, he shared a quote from Ricky alongside a broken heart emoji. It read: “As long as I’ve got the love of the fans, that means everything to me.”